Valentine's Day is Saturday and the options for gifts seem endless. This year, it may not be so easy to indulge in expensive dinners and diamonds, but there are plenty of wallet-friendly alternatives.
Treat your loved one to something special this Valentine's Day. Buying a gift for a girlfriend or boyfriend can leave many decisions to be made, but some choices are classy, while others lie on the old-fashioned side.
A classy option would be to treat your Valentine to a day at the spa where she can relax while getting a massage, spend time in a hot tub and get her nails done. Local spas offer gift cards for $25 or more.
Another classy gift idea is to make a mix CD. Pre-made playlists are available on iTunes and contain top rated love songs from past and present. If pre-packaged seems too generic, then a CD of her personal favorites can substitute. Creativity is the key to this gift, and music is inexpensive.
A more classic style option would be to send flowers. Even though it is old-fashioned, there is nothing wrong with sending a dozen or more roses. They smell good, look gorgeous and do not drain the wallet.
"It's important to buy quality roses," said Peter James, general manager at Atrium Floral and Gifts. "You can buy one rose and give it to your girl; it's really the thought that counts."
Lingerie is also a classic gift idea. Victoria's Secret has many options and the gift benefits both partners. Some nice lingerie can be purchased for under $50, and if you aren't sure what to buy, gift cards also make an excellent present.
A digital picture frame is a creative gift to give. They can be loaded with videos, music and hundreds of photos. Starting at around $100, the frame can be easily packed with some of her favorite pictures of friends, family and of course, you.
Flowers and diamonds are unnecessary gifts to buy for the boyfriend. Aim for even cheaper and easier presents because men don't expect too much for Valentine's Day, but it's nice to get something that shows love.
An easy way to a man's heart is through food. Homemade baked goods are a treat-cupcakes, cookies and brownies are all delicious options. For creativity, shape cookies into hearts and use red frosting, or decorate cupcakes in a variety of lovely ways. Baking is fun, original and cheap.
Breakfast in bed is also a delectable option, as well as a low-priced one. Waking up to a plate full of pancakes, eggs, sausage and toast with a cold glass of milk or orange juice is an excellent start to the day. However, this gift may require some planning, as showing up to a locked door could easily ruin this plan.
If cooking seems too challenging, then buying him a nice watch can be a nice Valentine's present. It doesn't have to be a Rolex as long as the watch looks good and doesn't break within the first week of owning it.
If gadgets are his thing, then buying some high tech gifts may be in order. A new GPS system, iPod, or digital camera may be on the pricey side, but they make lovely presents.
A cheap gift that benefits both partners is a new bottle of cologne. There are many brands of cologne to choose from and finding the perfect bottle may be difficult, but for under $60, the options are wide.
Whether lovers decide to go classical or classy this year, the gifts are sure to please. If flowers are the way to go, Atrium Floral and Gifts is offering an easy-access service for students today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Commons, outside of Starbucks.
Rose packages, offered in 1, 6, or 12 rose bouquets, are available for purchase, as well as, balloons, baskets of chocolates, fruit and candy, gourmet cookies and stuffed bears. Lovers never even have to leave campus to get those last minute gifts that say, "I love you."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
